Q1. Common Ground

[Pastor Ralph]

Q1. (Acts 13:14-41) What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground? What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

[Travis81]

Q1. (Acts 13:14-41) What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? If two entities or groups find common ground, they agree about something, especially when they do not agree about other things = “Common Ground” = opinions or interests shared by each of two or more parties.

God-fearers = both reverenced The Lord; both believe in one God who is almighty, omniscient, omnipresent, eternal, and infinite. Both believe in a God who is holy, righteous, and just, while at the same time loving, forgiving, and merciful.

Both have differing beliefs as it relates to believing in the existence of life after death (heaven or hell) and believe it or not the resurrection.

 

 

How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground?

In the synagogues I believe Paul’s approach was to share what the Lord has ordained him to share to, I believe he mirrored Jesus (Luke 4:15-27).  In the Synagogues Paul expounded upon the Good News of the Scriptures as they SPOKE of Christ according to God, and not mixed in with the commandments of men and/or with the sole interpretation of men.

I’m not sure, if the question is referring to going to the synagogue first, is so via speculation I suppose: Being that Paul was a Pharisee this was a place of familiarity, a place of worship, the people assembled there would have a foundational belief that could be expound/build upon.

Perhaps due to his conversion, (Acts 9), just as Paul had done prior to his conversion knew that  many Israelites/Hebrews rejected Christ as the Messiah, therefore he desired as many as would come to the serving/saving knowledge as he did on the road to Damascus. Jesus sets the pattern, he sent the first group of disciples only among the Jews, and He Himself said He was only sent to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 15:24); even though He offered Himself to the lost sheep of Israel He also made Himself available to those other than the Israelites/Hebrews that sought after Him and/or surrendered unto Him. Although Paul called himself the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13), he often went to the local synagogue first when coming to a new town, out of love for His own people.  

 

Luke 24:47 - And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Acts 3:26 - Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Romans 1:16 -For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Romans 2:9 -Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

From the phrase “First to the Jews” are birth many interpretations and perhaps just as many misinterpretations. I believe the phrase “First to the Jews” being the Scripture says that God is no respecter of person I believe “first to the Jew” originates is simply recalling the order in which the Gospel was presented to the who have an ear to hear and to listen.

 

Romans 2:1-10 - Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

 

Perhaps Paul’s approach in the synagogues was to visit the synagogue not only because it was his custom to visit the synagogue on the Sabbath but also he knew there would also be God Fearer from the nations as well (Bereans, etc…).

Ultimately, I believe those with an ear to hear and to listen, those with a willing spirit in the synagogue, from house to house, in the marketplace and the vineyard;  I believe Paul as do God desire the persons (he/she) assembled embrace the truth that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.

 

What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures … that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

[JanMary]

On 8/28/2019 at 10:20 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q1. (Acts 13:14-41) What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground? What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

1. The Gospel of Jesus is the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, fore telling His virgin birth, sacrificial death on the Cross and Resurrection from the dead,  from Genesis through Malachi! 

2. Paul approaches the Jewish believers by using the scriptures familiar to them,  to show them that Jesus is the Messiah they've been looking for, and that adherence to Mosaic law was a temporary "band aid" until the coming of the perfect blood Sacrifice, God's Sacrificial Lamb, Who was crucified and raised from death to life. (He was punished for our sins to give us His Righteousness.)

3. The essence is this: All mankind is sinful due to Adam's sin in the garden, and each of us needs a Savior in order to be in right relationship with our Holy God... Jesus is the Savior whose blood was shed to forgive every sin, past, present and future for those who believe and receive Him as their personal Savior and Lord. (There was a Savior before there was a sinner...God's foreknowledge and preparation allowing for free will and the inevitable attraction to choose sin)

A nugget: God spoke to Adam to not eat from the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil....BEFORE Eve was created! So Eve only heard Adam's recount of the Word from God...which probably lacked the authority and power of the Words spoken to Adam. (Helped me to understand why Words spoken to me sound like just ordinary conversation when repeated to my husband!!! ?

[garymerkel]

Common Ground:  It can include what is indeed common, agreed to beliefs, and it can include the common ground of disagreements.  Example:  Common Ground = belief in the God of creation, belief that God used Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt.  Common Ground of disagreement: "you" believe in the OT law given through Moses.  I believe that Christ fulfilled the law given by God through Moses.  Can both of us be correct?  Why do you think I believe Jesus is the fulfillment of those laws given through Moses?  Why do I think you don't believe that Jesus is the fulfillment, and that we are still under Mosaic law?  Asking dual questions might open up conversations.  OR...Paul, knowing the law and the history of Israel simply speaks the truth about Jesus.  It appears he does not linger long with the past agreement, but launches into Who Jesus is.  Is it possible when witnessing, that we sometimes spend too much time talking about the past in order to relate to the person and miss, due to time restraint, the sharing of Who Jesus is in us?  Sometimes it helps people when we connect the dots to the past but just as Jesus used questions, I believe it is good to use questions in drawing out why someone believes something, then I have earned the right to share why I believe what I believe.  At times I wish we had more of the conversation that Paul had with people, but we have enough to know he quickly drew them to Jesus.

[Preistina11]

What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? It is preached in the synagogue first on the common ground of the Hebrew history and the Old Testement.

How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground? Paul’s ministry strategy is getting to the Jews first and the Gentiles. He uses a lengthy and typical approach done in the synagogue, where the key Jews, devout, the uncircumcised and the God-fearing Gentiles attend. He addresses the men of Israel and all those who fear God, taking them back to the roots of where they came from and how God rescued them from Egypt.

 What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)The essence of the gospel is that salvation comes not through the Law, but through faith in Messiah Jesus -- justification by faith -- that Paul learned so powerfully at his conversion.

[t-c]

Q1. (Acts 13:14-41) What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground? What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

 

They both worship the same God. They both share the same heritage, the Old Testament, and can agree that it is the very word of God. Along with that, they share in the knowledge that the Old Testament foretold of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus.

 

By starting in the beginning, and going through Old Testament scriptures talking about things that happened that his Jewish audience can agree on, as well as some of the ones who feared God. He tells of scriptures that foretold the coming of the Messiah Jesus. Then he told them that Jesus, who died on a Roman cross, is the messiah. Paul told them about the resurrection, how God raised Him and how He appeared to His disciples, the very one who are now His witnesses to the people. And that His body didn't see decay as David's body did. Through Him forgiveness of sin is proclaimed. That through Him you can be truly free; something the Law could never accomplish. Don't miss out!

 

That Christ died for our sins and was buried and raised on the 3rd day.

 

Edited September 22, 2019 by t-c
wanted to change wording

[haar]

Q1. (Acts 13:14-41)

Q. What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism?

A. The common ground starts from God's deliverance of His children from slavery in Egypt right to the possession of the promised land and the subsequent anointing of King David whose offspring will produce the Saviour of the world.

Q. How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground?

A. Paul affirms that John the Baptist ( known also by the Jews) pointed to Jesus as the Saviour as per the above common ground which the Jews know 

Q. What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

A. The power of God for the  salvation of souls for those who believe

[Work in progress]

Both the Gospel and Judaism point to a Messianic King and Saviour to be descended from King David 's line .Both believe in one God who will set them free .

Paul shared with the God fearing Jews and Gentiles at the synagogues that John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as the Messianic King .He shared on the Old Testament of the Messianic King .

The essence of the Gospel is that Christ came into the world to save sinners : He died in our place and was resurrected .He gave us His righteousness to all  repentant believers. 

[Queen Mc Daniel]

Q1. (Acts 13:14-41) What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism?

Paul showed “common ground” through Hebrew history and prophecy about the gospel of Jesus according to scripture. 

How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground?

He used scripture they were accustomed to.

What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
The essence of the gospel is “that Christ died for our sin …He was buried and rose again the third day according to the scripture.”  Its salvation. Every man/woman born of a woman have sin, and are in need of a sin bearer. Acts 13:3-4

[Old Jerry]

The “common ground” that Judaism have with the gospel of Jesus is that he was talked about in the Old Testament. He brings this information to them by referring to Old Testament prophecies that they were familiar with. Paul reminds them that this was all prophesied in the Old Testament Scriptures.

[blezed]

What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground?

The "common ground" the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism is their Hebrew history.   Paul expressed that common ground by quoting scriptures that all were familiar with.

What is the essence of the gospel?

The essence of the gospel is that  "Christ died for our sins, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures".

 

[Uncle Dave]

Q1. (Acts 13:14-41) What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground? What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) 

Faith is the first thing that comes to mind. You can go back to the book of Genesis and see that Abraham was justified through his faith in God and the gospel of Jesus talks much of faith in the fact that we are saved by what Christ did for us. In neither, the Abraham example of faith of the faith in what Christ did, it is not by anything we could have done to make this possible. Neither circumcision or good deeds alone can win God’s favor. I may be off track a bit with this answer, considering the context of the question, in which case I would go with all the messianic prophecies from the O.T. to the fulfillment of current times.

Paul simply connects the dots for the people in the construction of this common ground, speaking in a way that all could relate to.

I will stick with faith as being the essence of the gospel, that is, faith in the fact that Jesus died in our places and will freely forgive all who ask to be forgiven of sins.

[DonzellaMaupin]

Paul had to follow what was already established and preached what Jesus Christ proclaimed in his 3 years of ministry.  Jesus Christ left the Great Commission and Paul followed the commandments of the Great Commission.  Since there are so many types of Christ in the OT Paul couldn't escape bringing history into his preaching.  Jesus Christ fulfilled the history of the OT.  Paul connects the scriptures from the OT to the NT.  Paul won souls just like Jesus Christ. Even today it is nothing else we can preach but Jesus which is for all people.  There is only one God who ordained Paul's ministry just like sending His only son to save us to have eternal life.

Paul knew this was the meeting place for God's people on their common ground.  Paul was killing the Christians before his conversion so he was much better and was winning souls harder.  He knew this was the place to get them all together to ministered the word.

No one can please God without faith which is the essence of the Good News.    God knew Adam was going to sin that is why he prepared His son Jesus Christ to die, and be resurrected on the 3rd day so we can have eternal life.

[jesus]

The common ground that the gospel of Jesus and Judaism is the history from where it all began is the same. The Old Testament Scriptures which the Jews also believe and is their history is also fulfilled in the gospel of Jesus.

Paul uses this approach and builds up on this common ground to show to the Jews that there is a connection they have to the gospel of Jesus by pointing out Scriptures from the Old Testament which they believed. Paul  specifically  points out that Jesus is the descendant of David and the Messiah which is in the Old Testament.  This approach makes it easy for Paul to preach the Gospel by showing them the common ground between Judaism and the Gospel of Jesus.

The essence of the Gospel is salvation comes by faith in Jesus and not from the law of Moses.

[lighthouse2014]

On 8/28/2019 at 12:20 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q1. (Acts 13:14-41) What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground? What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

The common ground that the gospel of Jesus have for Judaism is; Jesus was the promised messiah in the line of King David; John the baptist points to Jesus; Jesus was rejected by them, was crucified and raised from the dead; resurrection was supported by the old testament scriptures; through Jesus comes forgiveness of sins by those who believe in him; believers were to be rejected with scoffing and unbelief.

Paul's approach to common ground when preaching to the Jews in the Synagogues was his testimony of how God had appeared to him and the truth he proclaimed was given to him by the Lord.

The essence of the gospel is that Christ was rejected, crucified and rose from the dead on the third day.

[hanks]

Q1. (Acts 13:14-41) 
What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? 
How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground? 
What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Paul used Old Testament history as the foundation and common ground for his message about the gospel of Jesus Christ. To get their attention Paul starts off with God’s choice of Israel as His chosen nation. He then moves from Egypt and their 40 years in the wilderness to their victory in taking possession of the land of Canaan. Eventually he mentions king David (Acts 13:23) and this is his opportunity to mention that it was from this line that the Messiah came. He explains that Jesus was the offspring of David, and that He was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah. Paul cleverly points out all the things God has done for them, and finally mentions the fact that God has brought a Saviour, Jesus Christ, to Israel. John the Baptist was regarded as a great prophet, so he also mentions John's testimony to the greatness of Jesus. But their leaders did not recognize Jesus as the long-sought Messiah, and that He was the One of whom the Prophets had written. And this, even though they had heard these predictions concerning the Messiah, read to them at each Sabbath. He tells them that they even fulfilled the Scriptures by rejecting the Messiah (v 29). 
To Paul the gospel was very clear. It consisted of the great acts of God in history - the coming of the Lord Jesus, His ministry among men, His crucifixion because of the sins of men, and His resurrection as the Scriptures had promised. Here we have the timeless facts of the gospel: the ministry, the crucifixion, and the resurrection of Jesus. The essence of the gospel as explained in 1 Cor 15:3-4 is that Christ died for our sins and was raised. The fact that He was buried verified His death, and then also the fact that He appeared to many verified His resurrection.
 

[rosegarden]

On 8/28/2019 at 1:20 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q1. (Acts 13:14-41) What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground? What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

1. Paul states scriptures from the Old Testament about how the Savior would come from the line of David.  Both waiting for and needing Salvation!
2. Paul goes back in history and spoke to the men of Israel and to the God fearing Gentiles. The men of Israel were familiar with the history of the nation but went on to explain and reinforce to both all that happened from the time of Egypt to the coming of the Messiah and his death, burial and resurrection.    3. That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, (I Cor. 15:3-4

[Lottie]

Q1. (Acts 13:14-41) What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground? What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

That both  Jews and Christians fear or respect the same God. They both worship the same god who gave them the Commandments to live by. 

That Jesus was the promised Messiah according to the Old Testament and Psalm. That Jesus would sit on the throne of David. That John The Baptist pointed to Him. That he is the one who they rejected, crucified and that He rose from the dead. That Jesus resurrection is supported by the scriptures, mainly Psalm 2: 7, Isaiah 55:10, and  Psalm 16:10.That only through Jesus can they be saved  and that they will be held responsible for their reactions to it.

That Christ died, for our sins,  was buried and rose again according to the scriptures. 

[RD35]

Q1. (Acts 13:14-41) What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground? What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

1. The Hebrew history is the common ground the gospel has with Judaism.  The captivity in Egypt, the Exodus, the wilderness and entry into Canaan, Samuel and King David and the Messianic promise that a descendant of David will sit upon the throne of David and restore Israel.
2. Paul builds up on this common ground saying Jesus Is the Promised Messiah Descended from David and that Jesus was rejected by the Jewish rulers in Jerusalem who pushed for his execution. Then he proclaims the astounding fact of the resurrection.  The Jews are people of the Book, so Paul supports his declaration of Jesus' resurrection from Messianic passages in Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 55:10; and Psalm 16:10. David died and his body decayed, Paul argues, but God's Holy One (Psalm 16:10), "the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay" (Acts 13:37).
3. The essence of the gospel is that salvation comes not through the Law, but through faith in Messiah Jesus -- justification by faith. 

 

[Godswriter]

Q1. (Acts 13:14-41) What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground? What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

The common ground was that it was for both Jews and Gentiles to be saved. Also that Jesus came from David's line as the Messiah as the Promised Messiah. John the Baptist points Jesus Himself and how His life and death pointed to Christ. Jesus is then rejected by his people and crucified and raised from the dead as predicted by the Prophets. Through Jesus comes the forgiveness of sins for those who believe. However you must beware of rejection, scoffing, and unbelief. 

[Stanley Tavaziva]

1 Paul and Barnabas went to a new city to witness for Christ, . The common ground Jews who were there believed in God and diligently studied the Scriptures. Tragically, however, many could not accept Jesus as the promised Messiah because they had the wrong idea of what kind of Messiah he would be. He was not, as they desired, a military king who would overthrow Rome’s control but a servant-king who would defeat sin in people’s hearts. (Only later, when Christ returns, will he judge the nations of the world.) Paul and Barnabas did not separate themselves from the synagogues but tried to show clearly that the very Scriptures the Jews studied pointed to Jesus.

The essence for us is to believe. Some people move in the direction of belief, and others are simply pretending. however we are not to be removed, for that is the Lord’s work alone. The Good News at Jesus Christ came down to save us.  We should firmly believe it and faithfully follow what He says in His word. 

[Maggz]

Both Judaism and Christianity are monotheistic - unusual in the ancient world, and attractive to those Gentiles, who were drawn to the Jewish religion and became "God-fearers".  The gospel of Jesus is a fulfilment of the prophesies of the coming Messiah  which were the fundamental belief of Judaism.  Because of this, Paul begins his sermon with a study of the history of God's dealings with the Jews - the deliverance  from Egypt in the Exodus, the wandering in the desert and the eventual establishment of their kingdom in Canaan.   In this way, he shows that Christianity is not a new religion, but a continuation of the Jewish faith.   From there he moves on to David, the King, and the prophesies that the Messiah would be born of David's line.  This leads him into the proclamation of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. 

The essence of the gospel is the good news that we are redeemed through the death of Christ, and that we are freed from the burden of our sins through His sacrifice, and that this Christ whom we worship rose again from the dead and thereby gave us the hope of resurrection

[Irmela]

(Acts 13:14-41) What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism?

Both start with the Law and the Prophets. 

How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground?

Paul reminds them of their roots. How they came out of Egypt, how God cared for them in the wilderness, how the land was distributed to them, reminds them of the judges right through to Samuel and then how the people requested a king. First Saul and then David and that God promised a Saviour, as a descendant from David. Then he brings in the fact that Jesus came. As the prophets predicted, He was not recognized and was put to death and on the 3rd day rose again. He appeared to many of His followers. Through Him there is forgiveness of sins. What could not be done/justified by the Law can be attained by this Man, who was raised from the dead. 

What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Christ the Messiah, the Anointed One, died for our sins, as the Scriptures foretold, He was buried, and arose again on the third day. 

[Krissi]

What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism?

There's a debate, of sorts, about how Christians should regard Jews and, by extension, the Old Testament. Christ's birth, death and resurrection functions as a divisor between the Old and New, between law and gospel, Jew and Christian. But ... Christians are grafted onto the trunk of Judaism. In some mysterious way, we're part of, or attached to, Jews. When we evangelize to Jews, our focus is to bring Jews into the saving knowledge of their own Messiah. Though we share history -- God's revelation unfolds throughout the OT -- we stress the uniqueness of God's revelation to Jews.

How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground?

Paul begins by recounting a few of the bigger events in Jewish history, establishing himself as a Jew who knew their history well and presumably believed it. He boldly accused the Jews of fomenting political riots which led to the murder of their own Messiah but then quickly moved to the salvation of Jesus and His resurrection in the body. All of these were ideas familiar to the Jews. What Paul did was arrange these ideas in a logical sequence. He led them to water.

What is the essence of the gospel? 

God's plan of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus. 

As Paul did, we have to begin where/how people think in our culture. We also have to particularize our message to a person's needs, assuming we're evangelizing one-on-one.